Giorgio Armani autumn/winter 2018-19 reclaims the gentleman for the world

Giorgio Armani paints a signature classical and elegant image for autumn/winter 2018-19. Unafraid of nostalgia, its collection is informed by “(t)he idea of a man drawing on memories and adventures that he speaks of today.”

It envisions the dynamic realm as being one of “action and elegance, inhabited by men who are proud but gentle in their movements.” They dress with care, “without frivolity” and for the occasion rather than to advertise themselves with their branded possessions.

It’s hard not to imagine the gentleman’s renaissance as a countervailing force to the nihilism of social media. In this way, Armani shows how fashion responds to social attitudes as well to being shaped by them.

The lines and features of the double-breasted jackets, for example, have been drawn for the classic man’s square-jawed, broad-shouldered “toned physicality”. These are matched to more hip, loose-fitting trousers. Long coats and bomber jackets keep the theme of a man at ease with himself, straddling comfort and formality. Similarly, textures are processed in a way to present a tactility and appearance that is “testament to a life already lived” while the colour palate alludes to a narrative of conscious life choices.

Experience, at least from reading this Armani collection, can’t be faked.